Foot and knee protector and method of use

ABSTRACT

A foot and knee protecting device includes a first pad having a curved area to receive a toe portion of a user&#39;s shoe; a second pad having a second curved area to receive a knee of the user; and a support extending between the first pad and the second pad, the support to secure around a leg of the user; the first pad and the second pad prevent the toe portion of the user&#39;s shoe and the knee of the user from coming into contact with a ground surface when the user is in a kneeled down position.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to knee pads, and more specifically, to a protector device for protecting a toe portion of a shoe and a user's knee while kneeling down, such as for working on various machinery and/or devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Knee pads are well known in the art and are effective means to protect a user's knee while kneeling for work, such as is a common practice for mechanical and labor work. One of the problems commonly associated with kneeling, is the damage and pain caused to a user. For example, FIG. 1 depicts an example of a person 101 kneeling wherein the person's knee 103 and toe 105 cone into contact with a ground surface. The user's knee and toe portion of their shoe is unprotected, this can result in pain to the knee and damage and discomfort to the user's shoe and toes. Conventional knee pads provide no benefit to the user's shoe, and therefore it id desirable to create a protector device that protects both the user's knee and shoe.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of knee pads, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a common kneeling down position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a protector device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a simplified front view of the protector device of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method of use of the device of FIG. 2.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional knee pads. Specifically, the present invention provides a means to protect both the user's knee and toe from pain and damage during work while in a kneeling down position. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a protector device 201 secured to a leg 203 of a user in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that device 201 overcomes one or more or the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional knee pads.

In the contemplated embodiment, device 201 includes a first pad 205 having a curved area 207 to receive a toe 209 of the user's shoe. It should be appreciated that the pad 205 is formed to fit securely around the toe 209, with a gap 210 being constantly present between the toe and the pad, thereby ensuring that the pad does not slip or fall from the toe and that the toe is fully developed. Device 201 further includes a second pad 211 having a second curved area 213 to receive a user's knee 215. It should be understood and appreciated that the thickness and material of pads 205, 211 can vary as desired for aesthetical, functional, or manufacturing considerations.

In the preferred embodiment, pads 205, 211 are connected via a support 217 configured to secure to leg 203. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, support 217 can be a flexible arm extending between the two pads and configured to secure to leg 203 via one or more straps 301, 303 having securing devices 305, 307, such as hook and loop fasteners, buckles, clasps, or the like. It should be appreciated that support 217 can be composed of a plastic, rubber, metal, or similar rigid material. Alternatively, support 217 can be a strap type support connecting the two pads and composed of a material such as nylon. It should further be appreciated and understood that support 217 can vary in widths.

In some embodiments, support 217 includes a joint 219 configured to allow for movement of a lower portion of device 201, thereby allowing the user to move and adjust their ankle. Support 217 can further include an additional element 221 to securely fit around the user's shoe, thereby further ensuring that gap 210 remains positioned between toe 209 and pad 205. Element 221 can be a rigid material, a strap, or an extension from support 217.

As further shown in FIG. 3, support 217 can include an adjustability 309 configured to allow for extension of support 217, as shown with arrow A. It should be understood that adjustability 309 can be a telescoping means, or any other means by which support 217 can extend.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the connection of a knee pad and pad for the toe portion of a user's shoe. It should be understood that this feature allows for the user to protect their knee from pain and damage, as well as protect their shoe from becoming damaged while kneeling down to work, such as during mechanical work or gardening.

In FIG. 4, a flowchart 401 depicts a method of use of device 201. During use, the user positions the device wherein the first pad is wrapped around the toe and the second pad is positioned to surround the knee, as shown with box 403. The user then proceeds to secure the protector device to their leg, as shown with box 405. As desired, the user can kneel down with the protector device preventing the user's toe and knee from coming into contact with the ground surface and work, as shown with boxes 407, 409.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foot and knee protecting device comprising: a first pad having a curved area to receive a toe portion of a user's shoe; a second pad having a second curved area to receive a knee of the user; and a support extending between the first pad and the second pad, the support configured to secure around a leg of the user; wherein the first pad and the second pad prevent the toe portion of the user's shoe and the knee of the user from coming into contact with a ground surface when the user is in a kneeled down position.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the support is configured to secure to the leg of the user via one or more straps.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an element extending from the support and configured to secure around the user's shoe.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the support is configured to secure the first pad away from the toe portion so as to create a gap between the first pad and the toe portion.
 5. A method of protecting a person's shoe and knee, the method comprising: providing a device having a first pad to secure over a toe portion of the shoe and a second pad to secure over a knee; securing the device to a leg; and kneeling down; wherein the first pad prevents contact of the toe portion of the shoe with a ground surface and the second pad prevents contact of the knee with the ground surface. 